How to Grow Magic Mushrooms Psilocybe Cubensis in Bags: A Comprehensive Guide 2025
Psilocybe cubensis, a type of mushroom species of psychedelic mushrooms, has long been sought after for its unique hallucinogenic properties. While growing mushrooms traditionally has been done in jars or on other substrates, a more modern approach is growing these fungi in plastic bags. This method provides a controlled environment, enhances yield, and is more space-efficient, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cultivators.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step necessary to grow Psilocybe cubensis in bags, covering all aspects of the process, from preparation to harvesting.
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My Personal Journey Growing Magic Mushrooms: A Step Into the Fungi World
Growing mushrooms, especially magic mushrooms, was something I never expected to do. But over the years, my curiosity about their natural properties and the world of cultivation grew. What started as a fascination with the process eventually turned into a full-blown hobby that transformed my understanding of nature, patience, and, in some ways, myself.
The Spark of Curiosity
It all began with a simple interest in the power of fungi. I had read a few books, heard stories from friends, and watched countless documentaries about the spiritual and medicinal properties of magic mushrooms. The idea of growing them myself seemed like an intriguing challenge. But, at the time, I had no idea what I was getting into. It wasn’t just about harvesting a product; it was about immersing myself in a completely new world of biological processes.
Initially, the idea of growing magic mushrooms seemed daunting. There were so many methods, varying opinions, and plenty of misinformation floating around. I realized that if I wanted to dive into this, I needed to arm myself with knowledge. After all, successful mushroom cultivation isn’t just about throwing spores into soil and waiting for them to grow.
The Learning Curve
I spent a lot of time researching before I even purchased the necessary equipment. I started with the basics: understanding the species, learning the difference between psilocybin mushrooms and other fungi, and, most importantly, finding a reliable source of spores. After weeks of reading, I learned that growing magic mushrooms was a delicate dance of timing, cleanliness, and patience. Everything needed to be sterile, controlled, and meticulously planned.
The first time I set up a grow kit was nerve-wracking. I opted for a simple bag grow kit, one of the easiest ways to get started. It was meant for beginners and provided everything I needed: spores, a substrate, and instructions. The process was almost therapeutic, as I followed each step with precision, sterilizing the tools, inoculating the substrate with spores, and carefully sealing the bag.
For weeks, I anxiously checked the bag, watching for any sign of contamination or any issues. Nothing happened overnight, and patience quickly became my greatest ally. Slowly, tiny white strands began to emerge, signaling the mycelium was growing. It was exhilarating, seeing life bloom from a small bag of substrate, a true testament to the resilience of fungi.
The Waiting Game
As days turned into weeks, I watched my mushrooms slowly grow. The excitement was palpable each time I saw new growth. It wasn’t just about harvesting the mushrooms at the end of the cycle; it was about the whole experience. I felt a deeper connection to the process than I had expected, as I learned about the conditions that mycelium thrives in—humidity, temperature, airflow. Each mushroom that grew felt like a small victory.
During the waiting period, I also learned the importance of maintaining a sterile environment. Mushrooms, especially magic mushrooms, are susceptible to contaminants like mold and bacteria, which can ruin an entire batch. I had to keep the area clean, regularly wiping down surfaces, and ensuring the grow bags remained sealed. The tiniest mistake could lead to contamination, so every step had to be done with care.
The Harvest
The day I harvested my first batch of magic mushrooms is a memory I’ll never forget. After weeks of diligent care, the time had finally come. I carefully cut the mature mushrooms from the substrate, feeling a mix of accomplishment and amazement. The process from spore to fully-grown mushrooms had taken time and patience, and holding those mushrooms felt like I had unlocked a piece of nature’s hidden magic.
But the real lesson came not from the mushrooms themselves, but from the entire process of growing them. I learned that patience was key. Nature, in all its forms, follows its own rhythm. Growing magic mushrooms wasn’t just about getting to the end result; it was about respecting the process, nurturing life, and understanding that things don’t always happen on our timeline.
Reflections on the Journey
Looking back, growing magic mushrooms has been more than just a gardening project for me. It’s been a spiritual journey, a test of patience, and a deep dive into a fascinating natural world. While the mushrooms themselves hold significance for many, the cultivation process has taught me about balance, patience, and respect for the environment.
I can’t say whether I will continue growing magic mushrooms forever, but I do know that the experience shaped my perspective in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best rewards in life come from the patience and care you put into something, even if the outcome is uncertain. The joy isn’t always in the destination—it’s in the journey of watching something grow, from the smallest spores to fully formed mushrooms, right before your eyes.
Understanding Psilocybe Cubensis
Psilocybe cubensis is one of the most well-known species of magic mushrooms due to its widespread availability and potency. It contains psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for the psychedelic effects. In its natural habitat, it grows on decaying organic matter like manure, which is why its growth often requires a nutrient-rich substrate.
When cultivating Psilocybe cubensis, proper environmental conditions—such as humidity, temperature, and sterile techniques—are critical for success. Growing in bags allows for better environmental control and is more conducive to sterile conditions than traditional methods.
First thing: Materials Needed for Growing Psilocybe Cubensis in Bags
To start growing Psilocybe cubensis in bags, you will need the following materials:
1. Psilocybe Cubensis Spores or Spawn
Spores: If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need spore syringes or prints to inoculate your substrate. Spores are typically obtained from online vendors who specialize in mycology.
Spawn: Alternatively, you can use pre-made spawn, which is fully colonized mycelium. Spawn is the easiest way for beginners because it bypasses the germination phase.
The mushroom mycelium is the main ingredient to grow different mushroom species.
2. Growing Medium/Substrate
The mushroom substrate is crucial for the growth of your cubensis mushrooms. A good substrate will provide nutrients for the mycelium to grow and fruit. The following substrates are commonly used for growing Psilocybe cubensis:
Brown Rice Flour (BRF): Combined with vermiculite and water, this is the most commonly used substrate for starting out with cubensis. It’s simple, effective, and requires minimal preparation.
Manure-Based Substrate: For larger setups, you can opt for horse or cow manure mixed with straw, which mimics the natural environment of Psilocybe cubensis. Sterilizing or pasteurizing the manure is essential to avoid contamination.
When you get small batches down and systems in place then think about buying bulk substrate.
3. Mushroom Growing Bags
You’ll need specially designed, high-quality polypropylene or filter patch bags. These bags allow for the mycelium to breathe while preventing contamination. The filter patch provides a sterile barrier while allowing air exchange. This is also known as a mushroom bag, substrate bag or mushroom spawn bags.
4. Sterile Injection Equipment
Syringes and Needles: For inoculating the substrate with spores or liquid culture, you’ll need sterile syringes and needles. Ensure these are properly sterilized to avoid contamination.
5. Sterile Environment
Mushrooms are highly susceptible to contamination from bacteria and molds. To prevent this, you’ll need to work in a clean environment, ideally a dedicated growing space or a still-air box. Sanitizing all tools and surfaces before starting is critical. We recommend isopropyl alcohol.
6. Incubation and Fruiting Chambers
Incubation: For optimal growth, mycelium needs warmth to colonize the substrate. Incubators or warm rooms (between 75-80°F or 24-27°C) work best for this stage.
Fruiting: After colonization, the bags need to be placed in a cooler environment (around 65-75°F or 18-24°C) with high humidity (90-100%) for fruiting.
7. Tools for Harvesting
Gloves and Mask: Wear gloves and a mask to minimize contamination during harvesting.
Sharp Knife or Scissors: For cutting the bags and harvesting the mushrooms.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Psilocybe Cubensis in Bags for successful mushroom cultivation and bountiful harvest.
Step 1: Prepare the Substrate
To start, you’ll need to prepare the substrate for the mushrooms. Here's a simple recipe for a brown rice flour (BRF) substrate, which works well for growing Psilocybe cubensis in bags:
Ingredients:
2 parts Brown Rice Flour
2 parts Vermiculite
1 part Water
Instructions:
Mix the brown rice flour and vermiculite together in a large bowl.
Add water to the mixture and stir until the substrate is moist but not soaking wet.
Fill your mushroom growing bags with the substrate, leaving some room at the top.
Seal the bags and prepare them for sterilization.
You can also buy pre-sterilised grain spawn bags.
Step 2: Sterilization of the Substrate
Sterilizing your substrate is crucial to prevent contamination by unwanted fungi and bacteria. The most common method is pressure cooking or autoclaving.
Place the filled bags in a pressure cooker.
Sterilize at 15 psi (pounds per square inch) for 60-90 minutes, depending on the amount of substrate.
After sterilization, allow the bags to cool to room temperature in a clean, sterile environment to avoid introducing contamination.
If not sterilized completely look for signs of contamination.
Step 3: Inoculation with Spores or Spawn
Once your substrate has cooled, it’s time to introduce the spores or spawn. This is the most critical step, as contamination can occur if proper sterile techniques are not followed.
Disinfect the area where you’ll be working (a sterile workspace is ideal).
Using a sterile syringe, inoculate the bags with the spore solution. Inject around 1-2 cc of spore liquid into each bag.
Seal the bags again and store them in a warm, dark place (typically 75-80°F or 24-27°C).
Over the next few weeks, the spores will germinate and colonize the substrate. Keep an eye out for white mycelium growth. If you see any discoloration or odd growths (green, blue, or black), discard the bag as it may be contaminated.
Optimal conditions are important part of their mushroom-growing operation.
Step 4: Colonization Phase
The colonization process can take 2-4 weeks, depending on the temperature and the strain. During this time, the mycelium spreads through the substrate, turning it white.
Monitor the bags: Check every few days for colonization progress. Once the substrate is fully white with mycelium, it is ready for fruiting.
Avoid opening the bags until the colonization is complete to minimize contamination.
Step 5: Fruiting Conditions
Once the substrate has been fully colonized by mycelium, it’s time to move the bags to a fruiting environment. Here’s how to encourage mushroom growth:
Cut open the bags: Carefully cut open the bag to expose the colonized substrate to fresh air. Make sure not to damage the mycelium.
Increase humidity: To trigger fruiting, you need to maintain high humidity (around 90-100%). You can use a humidity tent or fruiting chamber, or place the bags in a plastic bin with a lid.
Temperature: The temperature should be between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing them in direct sunlight.
Lighting: While mushrooms don’t require intense light, they do need a light cycle to develop fruiting bodies. A small light on a 12-hour cycle works well.
Step 6: Harvesting the Mushrooms
Once the mushrooms mature, you’ll see the caps begin to open. The ideal time to harvest is just before the veil under the cap breaks. To harvest:
Wear gloves to minimize contamination.
Gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the substrate. Alternatively, you can cut them at the base.
Place the harvested mushrooms on a clean paper towel or drying rack to dry.
Most important thing is harvest time in the world of mushroom cultivation.
Step 7: Drying and Storing
To preserve your mushrooms, you’ll need to dry them. The best method is air drying or using a food dehydrator. Avoid using an oven, as high heat can degrade the psychoactive compounds.
Air Drying: Lay the mushrooms out in a well-ventilated area.
Food Dehydrator: Set to 95-100°F (35-37°C) for 6-12 hours until completely dry.
Once dry, store the mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Contamination: If you notice any green, blue, or black growth, this is likely mold or bacterial contamination. Always maintain cleanliness when handling your bags.
Slow Colonization: If the mycelium is growing slowly, check the temperature of the incubation area and ensure the substrate was properly sterilized.
No Fruiting: If no mushrooms are forming after full colonization, check the humidity, temperature, and light conditions in your fruiting area.
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The journey of mushroom cultivation, especially exotic mushrooms like Psilocybe cubensis in bags is a rewarding and effective way to cultivate mushrooms. By following this guide and maintaining sterile techniques, you can successfully grow your own batch of cubensis. The benefits of bag cultivation include increased control over the growing environment, reduced risk of contamination, and the ability to grow in limited space.
Whether you’re growing for personal use, education, or just as a hobby, the process can be enjoyable and fulfilling. Happy cultivating!
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